September 18, 2008

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John McCain pointedly declined to commit to a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero in a radio interview this week, sparking a major story in Madrid.

Talking to a Latino-oriented radio station in Miami Monday morning, McCain would only say: "I would be willing to meet with those leaders who are friends and want to work with us in a cooperative fashion."

It seems, however, like McCain was uncertain about the country and leader in question.

After an extended interview dealing with countries to our south, McCain used the question about Spain to allude back to Mexico, note his work "with leaders in the hemisphere," and our relationship with "Latin America and the entire region."

McCain also never makes any mention of Spain or Zapatero.

Further, the individual conducting the interview has a thick accent and McCain appears not to understand her at times.

"Ok, what about Europe, I'm talking about the President of Spain?" she asks.

"What about me, what?" McCain responds, believing she said "you" instead of "Europe."

Despite all this, McCain's campaign insists he was aware it was Spain that was being discussed.

"No, the questioner asked several times about Senator McCain's willingness to meet Zapatero, and ID'd him in the question so there is no doubt Senator McCain knew exactly to whom the question referred," said McCain foreign policy adviser Randy Schuenemann in an email. "Senator McCain refused to commit to a White House meeting with President Zapatero in this interview.:

McCain's campaign also noted that since Zapatero pulled Spanish troops out of Iraq, he has still sought a coveted White House meeting. Representatives of his government have met with the campaigns to discuss the issue.

It seems quite possible in all this that McCain had stopped paying attention to the interview, but still got the policy line right on Spain by sticking to platitudes.

But it's hard to imagine McCain saying this of a NATO member and European democracy, even one whose government is currently not seen as friendly: "I am willing to meet with any leader who is dedicated to the same principles and philosophy that we are for human rights, democracy and freedom and I will stand up to those who are not."

Reader Comments (230)

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What's so hard about calling a crazy old man a crazy old man?
The truth is sitting like a big fat turd on the plate before us.
How long do guys like Martin play dumb, acting like it's just a normal Presidential race, and not the Madman and Neophyte?

Seriously? He's going to go with that? Unbelievable. Republicans? Is this geezer really someone even you want in charge of the red button? "What? Press the red?" "No, Mr. President. I said don't do that or we'll all be dead."

Nice try, Randy. So McCain was unwilling to commit to a White House meeting with Zapatero whose country he repeatedly suggested was in Latin America.
His gaffe was so obvious, how can anyone explain it away?

McCain camp has no option their pants have been on fire since they chose to lie their way into the white house and a gaffe like this can't be spin 360,Donald Rumsfeld as i recalled called them old Europe and we called them freedom fries and smash french wines in gutters, it is the Republican way,you are evil if you disagree with us

McCain did not get who she was talking about. His mind was stuck in the southern hemisphere. If he really knew who Zapatero was, he would have mentioned their troop pullout in Iraq. For him to say he will not meet with a President of a NATO member country is bizarre. And if it really is true, McCain is more bellicose and dangerous than I once thought.

call me crazy, but it looks to me like McCain is running the worst campaign in Presidential nominee history.
He's given America a choice.
1. Vote for Obama/Biden
2. Give up up our dignity.
Nice work Johnny walnuts!

I guess this opens him up to lots of questions about which other countries' leaders he would not meet with. Poland? France? Japan? Italy? Is this a "with us or against us" moment, where "with" and "against" have an even more narrow definition?

The Democratic-controlled Congress, acknowledging that it isn't equipped to lead the way to a solution for the financial crisis and can't agree on a path to follow, is likely to just get out of the way.
Lawmakers say they are unlikely to take action before, or to delay, their planned adjournments -- Sept. 26 for the House of Representatives, a week later for the Senate. While they haven't ruled out returning after the Nov. 4 elections, they would rather wait until next year unless Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke, who are leading efforts to contain the crisis, call for help.
One reason, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said yesterday, is that ``no one knows what to do''

Posted By: the gift that keeps on giving.. | September 18, 2008 at 11:57 AM

I'm not sure what an ad about Rush Limbaugh has to do with this article, but I can't help but laugh at the notion that a person who is on the radio every day is a private citizen. Stop drinking the Kool Aid.

He knew the context of the question. That's not the gaffe here.
What we should really be asking is why he needs to take such a hard line with Spain. Why, because they pulled troops out?
Well, half of Europe disagreed with us on Iraq. If we want to repair relations with Europe this is not the way to do it.

The easy thing would have been to say that McCain did't quite hear the interviewers question due to her accent, but no, instead they've stuck with this bellicose line. I'm wondering where in John McCain's worldview does Spain fall. Is it more of a threat than Iran? Or maybe an irritant like Chavez's Venezuela? LMAO!!!

To the poster who says it's a shame Obama putting out an ad like this: What ad? The story is about an interview with McCain. You sound nearly as incoherent (or at least illiterate) as McCain. Learn to read.

I was about to make a snarky comparison to James Stockdale's "Who am I? Why am I here?", but I went to wikipedia to get the info on Stockdale. And wow - you think John McCain has stature due to his POW experience? Read up on what Stockdale went through as a Vietnam War POW and how he handled it. Miles above "no don't send me home first."

Maybe the eggheads spitting out the venom here should do a little reading about the current Spanish government with their Anti-American attitude. The current President of Spain ran his campaign with the Anti-American attitude and won re-election. How come there are no Spanish troops on the ground in Afhganistan since they are members of NATO. The King of Spain rushed to America to meet with G.W. Bush because of the fact we have an airforce base and a large naval base in Spain, these men and women feed the heat of the Spainish hatred of America on a daily basis. Plus, one must remember that Spain was controlled by the Muslims at one time and the southern part is Spain is mostly Muslim today. I think John McCain had it correct - those that stand with us.

Okay, just so I'm clear, McCain and his crack campaign staff insist that McCain will not meet with Spain's prime minister until McCain is satisfied with Spain's record on human right and democracy? Rather than admit that McCain just didn't know who Zapatero is, his campaign would rather alienate a modern, democratic NATO and European Union ally with the 8th largest economy in the world? These folks are brilliant.

So, let's recap. You'll go to war with Russia over Georgia, NOT a NATO member. But you won't even speak with a close ally, and NATO member in good standing?? McCain is a total fool. Anyone who thinks this guy will be good for American is also a fool. Period, point blank.

So why would he or his campain arrange an interview with the major Spanish newspaper? To tell them, that he wouldn't invite thir president to the WH? This is crasy....
McCain is just old. Sad, unfair, but that's the truth. He missed his chance 8 years ago.

The gaffe watch is overreaching here. You can't say "He seemed to not understand..." How do you know? That's pulling "news" out of a warm, dark place. You could say someone "seemed to not know" about anything. it's not a legit critique.

McCain's most important statement is this: "I am willing to meet with any leader who is dedicated to the same principles and philosophy that we are for human rights, democracy and freedom..."

It's not hard to imagine him saying that about any other NATO country at all. In fact, it applies perfectly to ALL of Europe's NATO members today. Some are cooperating to fulfill their obligations to NATO, but most are not.

They have not come through on Afghanistan with the measly 1,000 combat troops Gates asked for. Even Georgia, a non-NATO member, contributed more to Iraq and Afghanistan.

If Spain stood tall against terrorism, instead of folding like a cheap tent after the train bombings, they might be getting more leeway. Instead, they immediately did the appeasement two-step.

If Spain and other recalcitrant NATO "allies" suddenly decide that they are for human rights and democracy in Afghanistan, they might get a warmer reception.

Europeans may one day wake up, too late, to the myriad threats around them, and find the dumb, dependable old U.S. has other priorities.

Gene44, I want to make sure I'm not misunderstanding your post here. Do you feel that the US should shun Spain diplomatically? What are you getting at about Spanish Muslims? Do you feel that Spain's status as a NATO member in good standing should be revoked?

Gene44 - First of all, Spain hasn't been controlled by the Muslims since the mid-fifteenth century. That's almost 600 years ago. And currently, Spain is one of the most staunchly Catholic countries in the world. Read a book. Second, there's a difference between Anti-Americanism and Anti-Bushism. Many countries are now hostile to Bush and his fist-waving, "with us or against us" regime. They consider Bush's America the bully of the world. But it's not America in general that they distrust. It's the America of the last 8 years. And as we've all learned, most Americans are also tired of the America of the last 8 years. Obama's attitude is one of cooperation restoring America's place in the international community. It's the right one.

MRJ, I think you are WAY off base with your assessment of Spain. After the Madrid train bombings, the Spanish government arrested 28 people in connection with the attack. They proceeded to try the suspects in OPEN COURT under existing Spanish jurisprudence. In October of 2007, the court found 21 of the suspects guilty and cleared 7 of them. Hmm..that's funny. Instead of throwing out their constitution and torturing the suspects before convicting them in a secret trial, the Spanish government punished those responsible for the attack. In only THREE years. Meanwhile, it took the United States over SEVEN years to convict a guy for driving Bin Laden's car in a secret trial outside the bounds of both US and International law. The whole purpose of terrorism is to get a society to abandon its deepest principles out of fear. In summary, Spain convicted the terrorists who bombed their trains without abandoning their legal system. The US, on the other hand, has created secret and unaccountable tribunals and have yet to convict a single person involved in 9/11. So, MRJ, who's really "standing tall" here? Here's a hint, it's not the United States.

Apparently he'd rather start in international diplomatic incident than admit he didn't know who he was talking about. That's a really comforting attitude for a possible President to have, now isn't it?
Somebody PLEASE explain why anyone supports this ticket.

I can tell Gene44 and mrj are both Republicans both by their aggressive ignorance and complete misunderstanding of simple facts. First, Gene44, for what it's worth, Spain is a predominantly Catholic country (including southern Spain). Actually, anyone with even an elementary understanding of history and geography knows this. Spain's Muslim population is lower than Britain's and France's. Second, Spain, as a NATO member, has contributed troops to Afghanistan. It also provides peacekeeping troops to other parts of the world, including Lebanon. Third, there are no longer any U.S. military bases in Spain. Spain allows the U.S., as an ally, to use its naval station at Rota for resupplying its fleet. Fourth, the Spanish government is not anti-American because it disagrees with some (but by no means all) U.S. policy. mrj, allies can disagree about how to approach the war on terror. It certainly is no help, though, to alienate traditional allies. You are one scary dude.

Obama had 3 different responses to the Georgia/Russia conflict and was against preconditions before he was for them. It took him MONTHS to change his position because he couldn't figure out what was wrong with it. Obama's not old and senile, what's his excuse?

It's clear that McCain thought she said "you" not "Europe", and "President McCain" not "President of Spain". Bottom line is that McCain is an elderly man and I'm sure the 5.5 years in a POW prison added several years to his chronological age. How could anyone elect him, he's too fuucking old.

Wow - I think that this campaign is really putting a physical demand on McCain and he is just starting to get overwhelmed by all the stress.
What happens if he doesn't even make it to November. At his age and with his milage anything could happen. Would the Repubs have to put Palin at the top of the ticket or do they go back to the drawing board?

Why can't we all just admit he's senile and get on with it? Czechoslovakia? President Putin of Russia? Iraq's border with Pakistan? Spain in the hemisphere? How many free passes does the guy need? This isn't a slip of tongue; it's a slip of the brain.

Did that doofus above really chastise Obama for attacking Limbaugh because Limbaugh is a "private citizen"?
Yes, that's right. Rush Limbaugh: powerful propagandist, an audience of millions, best buddies with Roger Ailes and both President Bushes, who openly calls for electoral fraud/scheming is merely just a mild-mannered "private" person trying to live his life.
So if some dude stands out in the street in front of your house flashing your family, would he too be a "private citizen" minding his own business?

Reagan all over again! And just to prove his poor judgement he chose a cheerleader dufus who doesn't know anything about anything and doesn't seem to care - God is on her side, just like Dubya.
Is this the best the major corporate party in a nation of 300million can come up with? The future looks bleaker than now!
As an ex-USAmerican who emigrated to Spain I love Spain! I find more freedom, progressive thinking, tolerance, real compassionate government (Zapatero's government is socialist), more "terrorists" have been arrested here than in the Bush world war on "terrorism", everyone has health care, puritanism is rare (even in the conservative church backed party the PP) and there is just a fraction of the crime and violence (and 1/2 of that is committed by foreigners!) of the US. I wouldn't come back to the US for any reason. It offers nothing better than Spain offers, and a hell of a lot less (well, I admit the plastic shopping/strip mall way of life is really slow to develop here. Bummer). And if McSame and the Bimbo are elected by the most ignorant and uninformed electorate in the democratic world (the US "news" media is rated a sizzling 52nd in the world in censorship by Reporters w/o Borders, so no wonder they are so ignorant!), well the decline of the US and its neo-colonial empire will continue and be hastened - and for the sake of the civilized world, maybe that is not a bad thing.

Concerning a few people bringing Mr. McCain's opposition into the discussion: At least Mr. Obama, if shown to be wrong, would change his mind and policy instead of stubbornly and arrogantly sticking to a mistake.

McCain foreign policy adviser Randy Schuenemann:
"Senator McCain refused to commit to a White House meeting with President Zapatero in this interview"
I should hope so! After all, there is no such person. (Zapatero's title is Prime Minister.) Looks like Schuenemann is every bit as much on the ball as his boss.

"McCain, on Spain, has nothing in his brain, on Spain, McCain, has nothing in his brain... I think we've got it...By Jove we've got it!....Now what does perplex his brain? A certain reign, in Spain! And what does McCain's campaign? Complain! Complain! McCain, on Spain, has nothing in his brain (Refrain x 2)..."

First off, he is the Prime Minister not President and why should we meet with this socialist loser, Spain gets attacked by terrorists he wins the election by saying he'll fold like a cheap suit and pull the troops from Iraq without any discussion with the U.S, Spain's Prime Minster gave more a propaganda victory to Al Qeada then anything else since 911, and now Spain's economy is falling worst then America and we should talk to them, please.

Let's face it........McCain is tooooooo old to take on such a stressful and difficult job. He gets tired and can't remember that Spain is a part of Europe...he confuses Shia's and Sunni's and has repeatedly said the Pakistan is on the Iraqi border. How do we spell s-e-n-i-l-e??????

McCain should finish out the race with dignity. Just tell the truth about himself and what he wants to do. And stop trying to always lie and spin.
You put the two side-by-side and measure their strenghts and weaknesses... and Obama is the better candidate for America in 2008. He just is.
But you know that McCain is going to try to come back with some kind of outlandish lies about Obama.

So now US foreign policy is going to be changed -- and an ally for FIFTY YEARS, a NATO ally-- is going to be discarded in order for the McCain campaign to cover up his lapse of focus?
Haven't we seen this before? Why do the Republicans keep nominating candidates who can't pay attention for ten minutes and then can't say, "Oops. Sorry. Of course I was wrong. Sorry, Spain! We love ya!"
Everyone knows that McCain just blew it. Happens to us all. Why then is his campaign so incredibly eager to pretend otherwise, so much so that they are happy to screw up our relations with an ally?
Fortunately, we can generally rely on the good sense of our allies, but you know, their patience has got to be running thin after 8 years of that clown Bush.

sammy, a lot of Americans wish the U.S. would pull it's own troops out of Iraq. Incidentally, a lot of other members of the "coalition of the willing" have pulled their troops out of Iraq, including Australia. I guess we should also snub them. In a democracy, sammy, it's just hard to convince thinking people to keep sending their sons and daughters to war, especially after they discover that they were mislead about the reasons for war.

Gene44 seems to be as out of touch as McCain. There are indeed Spanish troops deployed to Afghanistan, about 13,000 of them.
The Spanish government isn't "anti-American", it is anti-Fascist.
Having been freed from Fascist rule only after the death of Marcos, having known Fascist rule so relatively recently, they clearly recognize its characteristic signs and tendencies in the Bush administration's behavior, and in the demented rantings of McCain.

Talk about an empty suit. McCain is a myth. I listened to the interview. He clearly thought Zapatero was a Latin American leader and wasn't sure if he was hostile to the US or not.
If he did know who he was and said what he did, he is a nutcase.

What's next from this joker? He's now going to alienate Spain of all country's and even stand by his tough stance?!?!?!?!? Spain may have pulled troops out of Iraq (don't blame them), but they do still have troops in Afghanistan, which is where the troops are REALLY needed. Plus, Spain has been dealing w/ ETA terrorists for a long time and were very helpful to the U.S. after 9/11 is tracking terrorists. We should be thanking Spain at every opportunity for their help after 9/11 and NOT alienating them. If Johnny McBush wins we're all screwed! And by all I mean the world.

I would have been perfectly willing to give McCain the benefit of the doubt on this -- maybe he misunderstood the interviewer, or just goofed. But now his representative insists he knew exactly what he was saying, and said exactly what he meant -- which is much crazier than if this was just a mistake. Why would McCain go out of his way to offend a NATO ally like Spain? Is he that deep in neocon fantasy land? I doubt it. But either way, this is bad for him -- either he's a nut, or he's lying. Or both.

Talk about heads in the sand. Spain is a serious threat to our way of life as Americans. Have you ever had "paella?" A multi-seafood-species orgy flavored with that oh-so unAmerican spice, saffron. If Paella were to seep into our Alaskan small towns it might replace moose-stew and then - there goes the neighborhood. What's next, siestas? Cubism? Flamenco? Don't back down McCain. Never back down from the creeping Spanish nemesis!

JMart, you should point out that Schuenemann referred to the prime minister as "President Zapatero" in his email before bashing Obama about talking with foreign leaders. Another dumb move by McCain's advisors.

"No, the questioner asked several times about Senator McCain's willingness to meet Zapatero, and ID'd him in the question so there is no doubt Senator McCain knew exactly to whom the question referred," said McCain foreign policy adviser Randy Schuenemann in an email. "Senator McCain refused to commit to a White House meeting with President Zapatero in this interview."
Umm, Prime Minister Zapatero. I mean seriously.

"It's getting increasingly tougher to tease apart the dementia from the bellicosity in McCain's foreign policy pronouncements."
Coupled with the inability to differentiate Palin's bellicosity from cluelessness, they are shaping up to be an even more dangerous combo than Bush/Cheney! Seriously, there's nothing dishonorable in asking for a clarification, especially if it prevents your taking a "hard line" that makes the US sound like it's prepared to start wars at the drop of a hat.

This man is a mess, just a mess! He is all over the place getting things confused and distorting things. Already he is embarrassing us just like who know who. YUP! His twin in destruction none other than George W. and McShame's sidekick Georgweenia Palin is no different. Another thing all of this tough talk is going to cost us more than we can afford(lives and money) if these morons get elected! Now if you have a son or daughter to spare then you go right along and cast a vote for war, if not then you need to cast a vote for Obama who will HAVE to fight to get us out of the mess the twins have gotten us into with Iraq because of their big mouths and is. Afghanistan, the only ones we should have been fighting in the first place. Obama is a more reasonable man with a much better temperament while having a brave and good heart. We NEED AN INTELLIGENT MAN LIKE OBAMA!

Are people serious in defending a policy of not even talking with the democratically-elected prime minister of a friendly European country which is a member in good standing of NATO, and a victim of the very same terrorists that attacked us? That's insane. Even if McCain had a moment of senility and/or an attention lapse, the fact that he reiterated the suggestion that Zapatero is not "dedicated to the same principles and philosophy that we are for human rights, democracy and freedom" is ridiculous and speaks to the man's total disconnect from reality. It's just more vapid cowboy-talk from a man desperate for power.

What is wrong with that, hes making no guarantees to meet countries that might change by January. Hes saying when I am elected we are going to see who are our friends and who are not and act accordingly. Hes not making blanket statements, what if the person asked this question about England or Canada, McCain was obviously trying to squeeze in a policy statement here.

Why would McCain go out of his way to offend a NATO ally like Spain? ------Maybe because spain is not doing any share of the hard work of NATO? Quick, quick-- how many countries is NATO in RIGHT NOW--- Quick!!!!! See, if you dont know the answer to this easy world wide issue-- then how can you assail some one on it? This is a non starter just like Obama's Uncle (not) freed Aushwitch in WWWII with American GI's leading the path-- (not American forces, Russians)-- which one is more significant to you.... Obama's direct out and out lie about american and family history, or mccain obviously tired.... I will tell you my answer--- i would rather my politician say-- what about me? , then have my politician say, I will lie so it is about me... Obama is disingenious at best-- and you of the jackass party just love him for it... some pied piper singing lovely harmony in your ears-- swoon, faint, like hillary said-- the clouds will part and a celestial choir will sing--- pfffft.

The issue is not the gaffe itself. Everyone makes mistakes in interviews, even the most well informed and eloquent candidates do. The issue is the McCain campaign's comical attempt to justify the remark. Nobody would've cared if the campaign said he made a mistake or didnt understand the question, after all, the interviewer was foreign. But instead, they spin wildly, claiming he meant exactly what he said. This is madness... foreign policy positions based on gaffe's. Get this guy as far away from the red button as possible.

Mr. Martin seems to be trying to give Senator McCain the benefit of the doubt by raising the issue of the interviewers accent. If you listen to the whole interview he doesn't seem to have any problems understanding her questions. Therefore one must conclude that he's suffering some type of dementia or is even more extreme in his views than GWB. You can listen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WItI9It_Swc&eurl=http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/217792.php

Spain under Zapatero is the US's worst ally in NATO. Zapatero has actively undermined US policy in Latin America. Spain's forces in Afghanistan are a token and a joke and stay in safe areas. Zapatero has stoked anti-US sentiment in his election campaigns.

Just look at the straw poll above this article and you will quickly see that the nation is center right and would rather vote Republican then super liberal democrat. I'm a life long Republican and I probably could have been swayed by a moderate democrat but no way am I voting for a super liberal.

Right on McCAin. Zapatero is nothing but a maxist socialist Spanish leader who is a big time ANTI AMERICA and who turned his nose on America when America needed his help. Screw Zapatero. Maybe if Zapatero wants a meeting he should be cozing up the Likes of ANTI AMerica Hollywood filmmakers. I am sure that would get his name in the news if that is what he is looking for. Or maybe he ought to look up Hussein Obama another socialist seeking attention.

I think a lot of folks here underestimate Spain's importance to the U.S. and to the world. Sure, Spain is not a world superpower, but it is an important European ally.
The ignorance many (and I dare say, most) Americans have about Spain would be forgivable if it were not substituted by such confounding misconceptions. I would wager that most Americans readily confuse Spain and Latin America (in that case John McCain would not be alone), just like most Americans probably think Spain is just another banana republic. Nothing, however, could be further from the truth.
Spain is thoroughly modern, democratic and progressive (I actually can't believe I have to point this out). It has the 7th or 8th largest economy in the world (impressive for a country with only about 45 million people), and the 3rd or 4th largest economy in the European Union. The U.S. is Spain's sixth largest trading partner (and that's good for U.S. workers).
Spain is not insignificant on the world stage. It is an influential member of the European Union; an active member of NATO; a partner in the war on terror that routinely exchanges intelligence with the United States; and a growing foreign investor in the U.S. economy.
As for Zapatero, he's not anti-American. In his 2004 campaign, he opposed the Iraq war (as did most Spaniards). His campaign was not -- and his foreign policy is not -- preoccupied with anti-Americanism. He is a socialist, but of the market-accepting social democratic kind (like Blair in Britain and Schroeder in Germany).
Finally, other countries have also pulled out their forces from Iraq, including Italy and Australia. Shall we also shun those allies.
In any event, even if you were right to suggest that Spain's world profile merits no deference from the United States, wouldn't it be impolitic and tactless for McCain to needlessly alienate an ally, no matter how inconsequential?
During the interview, I do not believe McCain knew who Zapatero was. That is understandable because Zapatero is a low-profile leader. It is incredible, though, that his campaign would be willing to throw an ally under the bus rather than admit that McCain was just tired and misunderstood the question. That's the kind of poor judgment we do not need in a president. And it's hardly what we would expect from a self-proclaimed "straight shooter."

They make cell phones for old people now, they're called the Jitter Bug. If you haven't seen their commericals, I'd highly recommend checking it out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNdw4CfbwQg Substitute McCain in this commercial any day.

"Oh my God. This is just sad. He can't admit a mistake? He is indeed just like Bush."
... or Nobama, who can't admit he was wrong about the surge. You libs keep servin' them up, we'll keep swattin' them back in your faces.

Hi. I just listened to audio of this interview and I think it's getting blown out of proportion. FOr what it's worth I've voted dem since '92, and will again. It's just that this is sort of a lame attack. He pretty much stands by his typical points for most of the interview when talking about South and Central America. I'm pretty sure he totally misunderstood the interviewer when for the first couple of times she asked him about Zapatero, and he played it off like any politician would. When she clarified herself, and he realized he didn't know anything about Spain, he obfuscated and dithered, again what any politician would.
Now then, I don't really think it's OK for McCain to be unclear about his "policy" towards Spain, but then again, he does have a lot on his plate right now.
Regardless, there are lots of other examples of him purposefully dissembling that are more accurate representations of what would make his presidency and cabinet horrible for America and the world.
This is a mediocre attack.

I guess there are some here who didn't really read the article very well. McCain could barely understand her accent. In California you have to check your order at the drive up window because Mexicans can't seem to understand our English accents so they get our orders wrong. GET A BRAIN PEOPLE!

McCain didn't just say that thing about human rights, democracy and freedom. In his first response to the question he said he would talk to our friends but not those who want to HARM us. Spain wants to harm us!!? Where is he getting his intelligence reports?
I totally give McCain the benefit of the doubt that he does know where Spain is, even if he didn't recognize the prime minister's name. But it's disgusting to me that rather than say, "I didn't understand her; I was a little distracted," or even making up a harmless lie to explain the misunderstanding, he is willing to harm our relations with a NATO ally that is currently fighting and dying beside our soldiers in Afganistan--all because he doesn't want to admit to a gaffe.
If he's president and he accidentally conflates Syria with Afganistan, will he start another war to cover his mistake? "Country first," my ***.

This is a damn shame! For you idiots still claiming that McCain has foreign policy credentials this should be enough proof for to you to see what type of basic people skills he has. And it should damn sure be proof enough of his lack of competency in dealing with foreign leaders in general. I guess he has no idea who is in NATO and an ally other than Britain.

Thanks everyone for the support!! here's a Spanish chap who checks out this site on a daily basis thanking you for your common sense and hoping for a real change.
We all depend on your vote for the sake of the whole planet over the next 4 years.
Don't let us down will you?
Yes, I've been to the US once (this time last year)and loved it but we can't afford to have the sequel to W along with Mrs Bridge-to-nowhere.
?nimo!

This is a very sad. Here McCain had the opportunity to start restoring the US good standing of the US...and he thinks Spain is in Latin America. I sure there are lots of excuses the GOP will spin, but he needs to admit his error (to the American people and call the President of Spain to apologize, that is the diplomatically correct thing to do. If he is so strong on foreign politics, shouldn't he know who the President of Spain? Will all the gaffs he has made this week, one has to wonder if he is up to the job...does he think that being the President of the USA is a low stress job? Very very sad!

CLARIFICATION: The official title of Zapatero is "Presidente del Gobierno (President of the Government)", not "Prime Minister".
The reporter was right when asked if McCain would meet President Zapatero.
Of course it is obvious McCain had no idea who Zapatero is or where Spain is or whatever...
The dangerous thing is that 45% of american voters trust an old guy that prefers to create a diplomatic incident with a NATO ally than just admit a mistake...

The point McCain made by giving Spain a facial is that he remembers Spain pulled their troops out of Iraq leaving USA to continue the fight - FOR FREEDOM!!!- without their help. With amigos like those, ... you know the rest.

Gene44: "...the southern part of Spain is mostly Muslim today...."
This is one of the most ignorant things I have ever read. Muslim occupation of Spain ended more than 600 years ago when the Nasrid kingdom of Granada was conquered by the catholic kings of Spain.
The south of Spain is in no way "mostly muslim".
Do you also believe that Obama is a "closet muslim"? I wouldn't be surprised.

Jeeez....
These folks (GOP) NEVER learn - you can't win something if you are NOT open. You have to listen to ideas - Mccain, you follow the same idiotic policies and not qualified to run a global economy!!! PERIOD...

To all those people saying that Spain is an socialistic country and McCain is right not to meet with a NATO member, are you on crack? Okay let's not meet with Spain because they don't support the Iraq war. Then you better not meet with the Canadian PM because they pulled their troops out. Better not meet with Australia either. The UK is socialist so we better not meet with them too. Hell, let's just kill everyone who doesn't agree with the war, while we're at it.

Gene44:
Uhm, yeah, Spain was INVADED by the Muslims... in the VIII century. I know some other people already told you that, but I just wanted to say it again.
Zapatero didn't win the election because of an "Anti-American attitude ". The former president of Spain wanted to be Bush's BFF, so he decided to take part in the Iraq War. Because of that, there was a terrorist attack in Madrid (you can DO A LITTLE READING ABOUT IT HERE: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/11_March_2004_Madrid_train_bombings).
It was the biggest terrorist attack in the history of Europe, so you can understand that most people weren't happy about having spanish troops helping in a absurd war that was none of our business in the first place. A couple of day later, people voted, and Zapatero was elected president.
"...these men and women feed the heat of the Spainish hatred of America on a daily basis" All I can say is: LOL
And, just so you know, there ARE Spanish troops in Afghanistan.

MCCAIN'S DISHONEST HYPERBOLES
Is McCain losing it--I mean his head? After being in Washington for about 26 years, he does not even know that the President, though he can appoint, cannot fire the head of the SEC--a quasi-independent regulatory agency. The law governing this is a little bit more complicated than McCain suggests. McCain's statement is part of a pattern of hyperbole (even dishonesty) we are getting used to whenever he is cornered or wants to show he has a talent or capacity for doing something nobody else has. Thus, he says he knows how to WIN wars, CATCH Osama bin Laden, DEFEAT evil, SOLVE our economic problem, etc. All interesting, but look at the fact. What war has McCain won? He directly participated in the Vietnam War, which the US lost. He did not fight, but supported, the Iraq war, and was pushing for the surge, which succeeded--but the surge was not the only reason for success. And even the general in charge of that surge said recently (correctly) that the Iraq war is not the type of war where one side can declare victory. Therefore, it is not winnable in the McCain sense. On evil, spiritual avatars and truly spiritual people know that evil cannot finally be defeated in the world, but the fight against it is a daily one. On Osama, if McCain knows how to catch Obama and he is withholding the relevant information, he is not being loyal to the country he claims to love. Why wait until supposedly he comes to power before disclosing what he knows when so many continue to die because of Osama's campaign of terror. On the economy, everyday exposes the emptiness of McCain's bravado.

"Oh, come on. Is the search for gaffes so desperate now that we're not going to give McCain even the slightest benefit of the doubt on this? For shame. What happened to focusing on the issues? I doubt anyone really questions McCain's competence to deal with SPAIN." ---------- Speak for yourself. I question his competence in dealing with Spain.

Come on everyone, forget about who you vote for. McCain was clearly confused about the country he was talking about. This is horrorfing. He really is looking too uninformed and probably confused to do this job. Palin is also horrorfying in this regard. How could anyone vote for people this limited?

There seems to be a lot of dissension in the McCain camp...that McCain is dissatisfied with Palin, and Palin with McCain...that Cindy is back on drugs...that McCain has already asked someone else to take Palin's place, but she is balking...That Palin plans on declaring McCain incapacitated right after the election or inauguration--and taking over from the start...That members of the Republican party are threatening dire action (who knows what) unless McCain gets rid of Palin...Even McCain seems to be at odds with himself, suffering no doubt from nascent senile dementia. What a mess!

McCain's Foreign Policy:1)Never let them know you don't know what you are talking about 2)Confuse other nations with incoherence. 3) When asked a question you don't understand bluff and act belligerent. 4) When you face a sitation you don't understand make sure nobody find out you are a wimp by calling for tough military action.

McCain's Foreign Policy:1)Never let them know you don't know what you are talking about 2)Confuse other nations with incoherence. 3) When asked a question you don't understand bluff and act belligerent. 4) When you face a sitation you don't understand make sure nobody find out you are a wimp by calling for tough military action.

Nice. Unilateralism in hyperdrive. Screw NATO and the UN! We'll take on Iran, Russia, Spain and whoever the hell else has a name that sounds the least bit...exotic, foreign, or "uppity". Remember the Evil Axis in the first months of the GWB admin? Well, one of those, China, nearly OWNS this nation now. You want this America? You can have it. Just cast your vote.

Why should McCain meet with a President who ran on an anti-American platform, let alone wussed out the moment terrorists did something in Spain.
Also why would McCain agree to a meet and greet with a foreign leader when he isn't the president ? ( well not yet anyways ) .

Wow. All these ignorant comments. Liberals really are the dumbest people on the planet. McCain knew exactly what he said, and WHY he said it. Since going socialist under Zapatero, it's SPAIN-- not McCain-- who has turned it's back on the U.S./Spain alliance. McCain was correct to call them out. But you Libs, being true to your nature, support 100% anything anti-American, especially Zapatero.

When I was in college, using my sister's old electric typewriter, I was constantly making typos. But when I ran out of Wite-Out, I was forced to improvise. So I would just change the word I was going to use to fit the typo.
I think we must have used the same typewriter.

"I am willing to meet with any leader who is dedicated to the same principles and philosophy that we are for human rights, democracy and freedom and I will stand up to those who are not."
So let me get this strait. France,Canada,and Germany are all out,since they don't subscribe to the same sad pathetic excuse for principles that we have on human rights,democracy and freedom. Cuba,North Korea,Syria,Egypt and most of Africa are in,since we share so much of our "principles" and "values" regarding torture of prisoners and throwing people in prison for years without charges on vague and unsubstantiated charges.

It would be better for McCain to admit that he doesn't know who Zapatero is, than to suggest that he won't meet with long time allies whose leaders are in lock step with his political philosophy. If McCain is seriously suggesting that he will not differentiate between countries like Spain and Iran, I sure as hell hope we don't let this man get near the White House.

Having had to watch a brilliant and beloved family member sink into the dementia of Alzheimers, I recognize many signs of it in John McCain. We who don't live with him day to day can see it in spite of his campaign doing so much to cover up the signs of his slippage into senility.
For me, the most terrifying aspect of his continuing to run is not his deteriorating mental condition. It is the willingness of so many to collaborate in this most heinous and dangerous defrauding of the American electorate. If he wins the election, how can he protect or lead us when he's not sure who's who or what's what? Apparently those around him and many who support him don't care as long as they get to pillage the country for what they can get.

Let's not stop here, let's go all in and challenge China too! Between Stripper Palin challenging Russia and Old MacDonald talking sideways to Spain we could end up on the losing end of mulifaceted nuclear strike during their first term if they sleaze their way into the White House.

I think Sen. McCain got it exactly right. Zapatero's behavior produced this situation. One example that everyone should recall is Zapatero's unprecedented snub at the presentation of the U.S. flag. Even seasoned diplomats were dumbfounded. The Spaniards are our friends; Zapatero, however, is not. Sen. McCain is right to shun him until such time as Zapatero apologizes for his anti-American antics.

WHAT A STUPID, IGNORANT STORY!!!!!!!!!!!!! I listened to the interview. MCCAIN SAID ALL THE RIGHT THINGS AND WAS AMAZING IN HIS KNOWLEDGE OF LATIN AMERICA. He knew exactly who Zapatero is and was avoiding having to insult the Spanish SOB but the interviewer kept pressing him to commit or not commit to meeting with Zapatero. ZAPATERO IS CUT FROM THE SAME CLOTH AS HUGO CHAVEZ AND RAUL CASTRO. He is a SOCIALIST AND APPEASER OF THE ISLAMO-FASCISTS. ZAPATERO AND THE MARXISTS OF CUBA, VENEZUELA AND BOLIVIA ARE FORMING A LEFTIST AXIS AGAINST THE US. In addition, ZAPATERO HATES JEWS AND ISRAEL BIG TIME. THE GUY'S A MARXIST HITLER. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3278919,00.html. IN THIS INTERVIEW MCCAIN SHOWED MASTERY OF FOREIGN POLICY FOR ALL LATIN AMERICAN COUNTRIES. HIS ANSWER ON ZAPATERO WAS 100% CORRECT AND DIPLOMATIC. OBAMA HAS NEVER BEEN SOUTH OF THE BORDER AND, IN HIS BERLIN SPEECH, HE MENTIONED MANY COUNTRIES BUT DID NOT SAY ONE NAME OF ANY LATIN COUNTRY. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TP85DiJWJxg

McCain is not capable of running our country. If it were so important to maintain an adequate troop levels in Iraq, why doesn't he have the guts to call for a universal draft? McCain is a little elitist chicken **** politician, who doesn't want the darling children of his friends to serve in our military. What a disgrace to our country.

I admire MC. Cain for not compromissing witn the LEFTIST/Spineless Spanish President.
WHEN WILL SPAIN RETURN TO THEIR CONSERVATIVE ROOTS ?? Or will they continue in the Sodoma & Gomorra Path ??
This is what the Obama Marxist Leftis Democratic Group wants to make out of USA.

J-Mart, you OWE IT TO YOUR READERS to mention this McCain quote from his April interview with the Spanish press:
"I would like for President Zapatero to visit the United States. I am very interested not only in normalizing relations with Spain but in obtaining good and productive relations with the goal of addressing many issues and challenges that we have to confront together."

Wow, for every of McCain's answer to questions, what he says needs to be interpreted and re-clarified? Gosh, it'd be scary, if he should be America's President, for McCain's speeches, during meetings with world leaders, to be interpreted and clarified Gosh, do we need a Clueless Old Man to make America look ridiulous? I guess, he'd be bringing Joe Lieberman along on all his trips abroad... to make sure he doesn't say the most idiotic things!

Palin promised fair investigation, she said she had nothing to hide. McCain and the Rethugs fly into Alaska, and everyone refuses to obey subpoenas!
Typical rethug mentality. What a bunch of thugs. Republicans should be embarrassed of themselves. If I were a Republican, I would say, keep Palin in Alaska, and my 3200.00 checks, other than that, stay off the national scene.

I just heard the interview. It's obvious that McCain was either, not paying too much attention or did not understand the interviewer. As a Spanish speaker, I lean towards the latter. The reporter has a very thick "colombian" accent and uses the Prime Minister's whole name: Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero. She pronounced the name as we would do in Spanish, instead of giving it an English entonation to make it easier for the interviewee. I don't know why the campaign is denying it. It's a misterio to me.

I mean, Spain has troops in Afghanistan ! Is this the way we treat allies who are putting their solders' lives on the line for us???
Does no one in their camp know how to google for information before opening their big mouth and offending an ally just to keep their candidate's senility from showing?

. MCCAIN SAID ALL THE RIGHT THINGS AND WAS AMAZING IN HIS KNOWLEDGE OF LATIN AMERICA. He knew exactly who Zapatero is and was avoiding having to insult the Spanish SOB but the interviewer kept pressing him to commit or not commit to meeting with Zapatero. ZAPATERO IS CUT FROM THE SAME CLOTH AS HUGO CHAVEZ AND RAUL CASTRO. He is a SOCIALIST AND APPEASER OF THE ISLAMO-FASCISTS. ZAPATERO AND THE MARXISTS OF CUBA, VENEZUELA AND BOLIVIA ARE FORMING A LEFTIST AXIS AGAINST THE US. In addition, ZAPATERO HATES JEWS AND ISRAEL BIG TIME. THE GUY'S A MARXIST HITLER. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3278919,00.html. IN THIS INTERVIEW MCCAIN SHOWED MASTERY OF FOREIGN POLICY FOR ALL LATIN AMERICAN COUNTRIES. HIS ANSWER ON ZAPATERO WAS 100% CORRECT AND DIPLOMATIC. OBAMA HAS NEVER BEEN SOUTH OF THE BORDER AND, IN HIS BERLIN SPEECH, HE MENTIONED MANY COUNTRIES BUT DID NOT SAY ONE NAME OF ANY LATIN COUNTRY. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TP85DiJWJxg

Sorry, to me it seems he was simply confused. What is currently going on is extremly tough for anyone, even more so for a 72 year old man.
Just raises the question if one or the toughest job on this planet should be handed to someone that age.

what a loser! what if it was a nuclear state that was slipping away like Pakistan.
They would say no problem but if you want something, you come to me buddy.
does McCain need a hearing aid? or an MRI of his brain.

Gene44 wrote:
"the southern part is Spain is mostly Muslim today"
Muslims make up just 2.3% of Spain's population.
That's two point three percent!
You are as uninformed and/orsenile as your candidate John von McHindenburg.

I CAN NOT BELIEVE THIS!! I AM FROM SPAIN BUT I WILL VOTE BECAUSE I HAVE DUAL CITIZENSHIP. FOR SOME OF THE COMMENTS I READ: FIRST OF ALL SPAIN WAS MUSLIM, YES, IT IS TRUE, BUT SOMEONE I BELIEVE IT WAS GENE44 FORGOT THAT IN 1492, YES SOME HUNDRED YEARS AGO SOUTHERN SPAIN WAS NOT MUSLIM ANYMORE. I CAN NOT BELIEVE PEOPLE LIKE THE ONE WHO POSTED THE COMMENT IS ALLOWED TO VOTE. PLEASE READ SOME HISTORY BOOKS BEFORE VOTING. THIS IS THE PROBLEM WITH AMERICA: IGNORANCE. I AM NOT SURPRISED NOW THAT A VP CANDIDATE WHOSE ONLY FOREIGN EXPERIENCE IS THE VIEW OF RUSSIA FROM HER WINDOW, CAN BE THE MOST POWERFUL WOMAN IN THE WORLD. BY THE WAY I AM A WOMAN SO DON'T PLAY THE SEXISM CARD. AMERICANS DON'T BE STUPID. SHOW THE WORLD YOU HAVE SOME KNOWLEDGE, BE RESPONSILBLE ON YOUR VOTES ESPECIALLY BECAUSE MANY OF THE DECISSIONS TAKEN BY THE US WILL AFFECT THE WORLD. DON'T RELY ON SOMEONE WHO JUST GOT HER PASSPORT LAST YEAR.

If McCain doesn't know who our allies are and where they are how are we suppose to believe he knows more about our foreign policy? My kids and I have a running joke that if McCain wins this election we won't need a passport any longer because he will just go to war and invade everyone else, especially since his vp choice made the inflammatory comments about russia. They seem to have agression problems and don't want to be diplomatic with anyone else including spain one of our allies from europe and by our side in afganistan. Now with the economy fall apart if McCain wins and starts invading we will have to borrow money from all these countries before we can invade them...lol. He would rather turn a blind eye to wall street but he will go out and pick fights with anyone outside our borders. Scary, very scary future if McCain/Palin win.

John McCain's comment, or noncomment, about a White House meeting with the prime minister of Spain may be deplorable but it's hardly surprising. On the few on-air occasions when I've heard him get specific about U.S. allies, he has mentioned Britain and Germany - and no one else. Let's hope that Nov. 4 brings America a president with broader, clearer vision of what's required to reinforce U.S. security.

I must comment on Gene44 below - such a remarkable lack of knowledge ...
"The current President of Spain ran his campaign with the Anti-American attitude and won re-election."
No. He ran his campaign on the Spanish economy and social reforms. I was here, I live here. Sorry to burst your bubble, but relations with the US are just not that big an issue for ordinary Spaniards.
"How come there are no Spanish troops on the ground in Afhganistan since they are members of NATO."
There are about 800 - they are the 10th biggest contributer in NATO.
"Plus, one must remember that Spain was controlled by the Muslims at one time"
True - about 500 years ago, controlled but not populated by.
"and the southern part is Spain is mostly Muslim today."
No it isn?t. Spain is overwhelmingly Catholic Christian, even the south.
"I think John McCain had it correct"
Okay then.

Why is the Republican's first defence to cover-up (trooper-gate, fundamentals etc)? Why can't they just say "I made a mistake"? I guess they'd be saying it alot. It was uncomfortable to listen to. I feel bad for him. Laurel and Hardy should not be be given this high privilege.

I really can't believe some of the comments here. Have we lost our minds? To TomBetz. It was Franco, not Marcos. Otherwise, you are correct on your comment. To fb: I noted your completely incoherent rant. Are you truly this hopeless, or have you just not truly taken the time to think before you posted?

It is truly sad to see this elderly war hero and senator having increasing difficulty handling unplanned questions McCain is the oldest candidate for president but also his body has hard miles on it from flying fighters and being a POW. He is beginning to sound like last term Reagan. Has McCain released his medical records?

To Gene44: Your way off on you contents about the current Spanish government and about the south of Spain. The Spanish people were massively against Spanish participation in Iraq, and that's why they elected Zapatero -- to get Spanish troops out. Spain DOES HAVE troops in Afghanistan. And the south of Spain is certainly NOT mostly Muslim -- it's over 90% Catholic.

1. Spain's a democracy, and Zapatero was fairly elected.
2. Spain is in NATO and the EU.
3. If it's "not on our side any more", who's left?
With the whole world economy crumbling before our eyes, it's a hell of a moment to be going ****ing off more friendly countries - remember, not only Spain, but also her EU partners, are looking askance at this.
And this is foreign policy expertise? I wouldn't have thought it possible, but it out-screws-up Bush.

This is to "I Knew A Phony"...Just how much "benefit of the doubt" are you going to give your President elect?" Honestly...McCain has made enough foibles this week alone to completely erase any real support he may have been garnering amongst non-republicans. When asked about the economy he defaulted to Sarah Palin as a point guard, or he said the economy is sound. A "maverick" who has fought for deregulation for over 20 years now says he means to regulate and reform HIMSELF!
For shame to those who DON'T vote the issues and don't vote for the "ORIGINAL CHANGE AGENT".

I like it. I hope McCain sticks to his guns here. Spain deserves a cold shoulder from the U.S. They gave us one and we should reciprocate. They pulled out of Iraq and they elected this lefty Zapatero, who I might add has come out in support of Obama.
We need break to away from old Europe and shift our focus toward the Pacific Basin. Will Nato survive? Who cares! Only you rabid globalists out there. The USA must come first.
Sen McCain! Don't back down or apologize. Stand your ground. Darvin Dowdy

If he was going to have trouble with the thick accent of the interviewer, why not a "translator" to help him? Perhaps McCain had trouble with hearing. Does he wear a hearing aid? This interview makes him look like he has dementia. Which is worse, dementia or hearing loss? More reason not to vote McCain.

Its Spain, and I wouldn't be suprised if McCain couldn't understand her accent.
Of course, Americans should be more flabbergasted at this than actual events in our country.
Stick to our country for now John. Thank you.

12:36 Anon.: Of course Spain sought, tried and convicted these men. What were they going to do, nothing? Even India and Pakistan go after the perpetrators of terrorism in their countries, why should Spain be any different?

Your whole argument is based on abstractions. Spain capitulated to the train bombers, thereby making life more dangerous for all. Of course, they're still NATO members and, as they have for the past sixty years, benefit greatly from that increasingly one-way alliance.

The point of terrorism, my liberal friend, is NOT to force us to give up our principles and get us down to level They don't give a rat's ass about "our principles". Whether or not the west keeps or loses it's "principles" mean nothing to them. It's a nonfactor, period.

The purpose for them is to cow civilian populations, intimidate and manipulate them. Their goal is power, not making us lose our principles.

The problem is, as Spain showed, terrorism works. It DOES cow otherwise decent people, and it DOES manipulate their political behavior. It DOES intimidate civiized people.

Terrorists get alot of bang for the buck. Moderate, sane people just want to be left alone, to be able to walk the streets and express their political views in peace and security.

THAT's what terrorists are shredding, not the constitution or our "principles" -- human dignity, in pursuit of power and control.

For most western liberals, this whole fight occurs in the abstract. Unfortunately, for the one percent of our population that actually goes eyeball to eyeball with terrorists everyday on the Pak border, or in N. Iraq, it's not abstract.

Those two Christian schoolgirls in Indonesia really did get their heads cut off. Those four officers kidnapped in Karbala and killed really are dead, really, in the real world.

However, Americans, thanks to two oceans and a strong military, continues to feel safe.

"Oh, come on. Is the search for gaffes so desperate now that we're not going to give McCain even the slightest benefit of the doubt on this?"......................................How long can you continue to call blatent mistakes and incompitence a "gaffe"? ...oh sorry he mispoke ...oh sorry that was just a gaffe ...oh sorry he was a POW ...oh sorry ...oh sorry ...yeah that's pretty sorry.

There's a big flaw in your logic mrj:
The train terrorism business didn't force Spain to withdraw the troops, because YOU CAN'T FORCE SOMEONE TO DO SOMETHING HE OR SHE ALREADY WANTS TO DO.
The fact is 90% of the population here was against being involved in Iraq's invasion BEFORE the attacks.
You can argue the bombs triggered a change in Spanish foreign policy*, but to imply that the Spanish people "gave in to the terrorists" is ridiculous, because those of us who wanted to stay in Iraq were vastly outnumbered. As it is, both the bombers and the overwhelming majority of the Spaniards, for completely different reasons, wanted the pull out to take place.
*The bombing did trigger a change in government, but that has not much to do with the Iraqui question itself.
It was rather a question of demographics: to put it as simply as possible, most Spaniards, maybe as a result of the right-wing dictatorship, lean left rather than right. Aznar's previous triumphs were based on the discontent of the more numerous socialist voters after a very long stint of socialist government ending in widespread corruption scandals; plus the successful rallying of his smaller base.
In other words, the Populares won because disillusioned socialists stayed at home.
Before the March attacks studies predicted a 7 point increase in participation would lead to a socialt victory. Then the bombs went off.
The principal effect of the train bombings was that many people who wouldn't have bothered otherwise felt compelled to do so. A 10 point increase in voting participation ensued. That alone guaranteed a socialist victory.
Add the completely botched attempt by Aznar's cabinet to shift the blame on ETA despite all evidence to the contrary, and it is easy to understand PP's debacle in those elections.

This is a RED FLAG...Do you recognize the meaning of that term?, Yes, I am talking to the Republicans who believe they have a stable candidate. PLEASE do not vote for someone who is clearly waiting for the answers from someone else. He has NO Diplomacy and he will hurt our nation; if we have one left. Let's move on with a serious candidate. Obama '08

I would not have believed him if he would have said that he did not understand what the interviewer was saying. But that is what he should have said. For Mccain to try to answer a question not fully understanding it and responding with little more than outdated talking points and pandering shows you in what regard he holds the American people. He will say anything to become president. He has actually stated that he would not vote for a bill he sponsored that can't even be called a flip-flop. I mean is he just telling his base what they want to hear or is he just telling the rest of us what he thinks we want to hear.

McCain was clearly so discombobulated yesterday, had no idea who Zapatero was, then tried to cover himself by winging it and thus, placing the leader of Spain in the Western Hemisphere. And his cover up is the most dishonest. I asked my 6th grade great-grandchild who Zapatero was and she quickly answered, he is the PM of Spain, Guess the Weekly Reader still lives or some teacher has done a great job, one. Or probably both.

Several readers seem annoyed that everyone is picking on McCain's errors. One error not mentioned is his claim that he is especially prepared to handle the economic crisis as he is on, and once chaired, the Senate Commerce committe. One would think this means he is in part responsible for lack of oversight over which he wants to fire everyone in sight (Except President Bush). The fly in the ointment is that the Commerce committee's mission is oversight of commerce excluding finance, investment and banking. Woops!Did McCain just "forget" this?

Two things, firstival:
"Plus, one must remember that Spain was controlled by the Muslims at one time and the southern part is Spain is mostly Muslim today. I think John McCain had it correct - those that stand with us." Not only that was more than 500 years ago, but what if they were Muslims? It's not a hard question, what's wrong with Muslims? Why the hatred, the racism?

For those who think that Spain is irrelevant:
Spain is the 8th largest world economy, the 8th largest world donor, the sixth largest world investor, the first or second investor in Latin America ( depending on the country) and the fourth largest investor in the US ( all according to OCDE statistics). Telefonica is the third largest world telecom operator, Banco Santander the fith major world bank. Zara the second largest world retailer, Iberdrola the second largest renewable energy company, seven out of the first ten infrastructure companies in the world are Spanish...and so on
Furthermore, Spain has played a major role in world history and also in US history. It was Spain, not France, the country which provided more material help to the American insurgents against the British ( an independent US reciprocated by appropiating most of the remaining Spanish territory in North American and by declaring an illegal war against Spain over Cuba- remember the Maine?). Spain is also a major contributor to stability operations from Libanon to Afghanistan ( alongside the US) and it has an active diplomacy not only in Europe and Latin America, but also in the Mediterranean, the Middle East and Subsaharan Africa. Its language and culture are shared by more than 400 million people around the world.....and a candidate for leading the US does not know where Spain is? Oh dear?
And as to Spain being soft of terrorism, that is clearly a falacy. Spain has been fighting against the ETA terrorist group for more than forty years. In all this time Spain has been alone. Many in the US still thought that ETA is a romantic group of freedom fighters...Now come 9/11 and the US starts dividing the world between enemies and friends according to the stance they take in the US war against Terror. If Spain had done the same the US strategic bases in Spain- Moron and Rota- should have been dismantled long ago.